The ritual execution of a sheep by protesters on Clifton Beach shocked a local community. Now it seems those involved will face punishment.

The Clifton Beach protesters who slaughtered a sheep to “exorcise the demon of racism” earlier this week are likely to face criminal charges after the City of Cape Town vowed to take action against Chumani Maxwele.

The protest leader came under severe criticism when he cut the sheep’s throat during a ritual sacrifice. JP Smith is the city’s mayoral committee member for safety and security, and he confirmed to SABC that those involved with the killing would be punished following an investigation:

“I think we received in excess of 150 complaints within the first 12 hours after the incident with people forwarding the footage, so the city can’t ignore any transgression of its bylaws.”

JP Smith

What law was broken by Clifton Beach protesters?

Smith confirmed that the sacrifice was an illegal practice, contravening a bylaw which prohibits the slaughter of an animal in a public space without consent. The mayco member also suggested that others who helped Maxwale will also face the full might of the law.

Meanwhile, Jacques Weber – a former DA Ward Councillor in the region – has expressed his support for the residents who hired a private security firm to police Clifton Beach. When a group of revellers were removed by the PPA, they claimed that racism was a motivating factor, sparking a week-long demonstration against prejudice.

Former DA Councillor “sympathises” with Clifton residents.

Weber made it clear that the firm had no right to infringe on the citizens’ constitutional rights, but expressed his sympathies for a community who he says “aren’t being properly serviced” by SAPS and other authorities:

“Homeowners who live in and around Clifton beaches constantly raise the issue of criminal activity and anti-social behaviour taking place around the area, especially on the beaches late at night.”

“Politicians can play tennis and throw the ball into each other’s courts all day long, but the fact remains that many beaches around the City are unsafe and at night there is a large element of antisocial behaviour taking place.”